European stock markets are trading higher on Thursday, showing little reaction to the Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting minutes, which kept the prospect of a March rate hike in play.

Fed officials said they may need to raise interest rates "fairly soon" should jobs and inflation data be in line with expectations.

Europe's leading Blue-chip index, EURO STOXX 50 went up 2.26 points or 0.07 percent to trade at 3,341.53. Germany's benchmark index DAX went up 31.10 points or 0.26 percent to trade at 11,998.59. French benchmark index CAC 40 went up 5.34 points or 0.11 percent to trade at 4,901.22.

On the other hand, UK's benchmark index FTSE 100 lost 6.31 points or 0.09 percent to trade at 7,295.94.

On Wednesday, European stock markets settled mixed. UK's benchmark index FTSE 100 gained 27.42 points or 0.38 percent to close at 7,302.25. On the other hand, Europe's leading Blue-chip index, EURO STOXX 50 0.06 points to settle at 3,339.27.